Tennis – Sania Mirza Launches Initiative to Back Women Athletes
Tennis – Former world No. 1 doubles player Sania Mirza has unveiled “Next Set,” a new initiative aimed at strengthening support for young women athletes across India, with a special focus on tennis. The program seeks to provide structured assistance to promising players and ensure they have access to professional guidance as they compete at higher levels.
Building a Stronger Support System
Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Mirza explained that the idea grew from her own journey in professional sport. She recalled the challenges she faced as a young player navigating international competition without a dependable support network.
According to Mirza, many talented athletes in India struggle not because of a lack of skill, but because of limited access to essential resources. Competing internationally often requires a team that includes coaches, physiotherapists, and fitness trainers. For many families, funding such a setup is difficult.
She pointed out that players from other countries typically travel with well-established support teams. In contrast, several Indian athletes are left managing training, recovery, and strategy on their own. “Next Set” aims to close that gap by creating an environment where emerging players can focus fully on their performance.
Addressing Financial and Professional Pressures
Mirza highlighted that financial strain remains one of the biggest barriers for aspiring athletes. Tournament travel, coaching fees, and medical care can quickly become overwhelming expenses. Without backing from sponsors or institutional programs, many promising players struggle to sustain their careers.
Through the initiative, selected athletes will receive access to a travelling support unit during domestic tournaments in India. This team will include a physio, a coach, and a trainer, providing players with professional guidance that mirrors international standards.
Mirza said that easing these pressures can make a measurable difference. By offering structured help, the initiative intends to give young athletes the confidence to compete on equal footing with global peers.
Mentorship and Training Camps
Beyond tournament support, “Next Set” will organize multiple training camps throughout the year. Mirza plans to participate personally in these camps, sharing her experience from years on the international circuit.
The camps are designed not only to sharpen technical skills but also to address aspects such as mental preparation and long-term planning. Mirza emphasized that mentorship can play a key role in shaping young careers, especially in a demanding sport like tennis.
Where possible, the initiative will also extend financial assistance to athletes who demonstrate potential and commitment. The goal, Mirza noted, is to build a reliable pathway that helps players transition smoothly from junior competitions to the professional stage.
Learning from Past Challenges
Reflecting on her early career, Mirza acknowledged that structured backing was limited when she turned professional. While circumstances improved over time, comprehensive support systems were not always accessible or affordable.
She believes that India’s sporting ecosystem has evolved, but further efforts are necessary to create consistent pipelines of champions. Instead of seeing long gaps between generations of top players, Mirza hopes the initiative will contribute to sustained success in Indian tennis.
The six-time Grand Slam winner said her motivation stems from wanting the next generation to face fewer obstacles than she did. By addressing gaps in coaching, fitness, recovery, and financial planning, she aims to lay the groundwork for long-term growth in women’s sport.
A Long-Term Vision for Indian Tennis
Ultimately, “Next Set” seeks to create stability around emerging talent. Mirza’s broader vision is to ensure that promising athletes receive the professional ecosystem required to thrive at national and international levels.
As Indian tennis continues to search for its next wave of champions, initiatives like this may prove significant. By combining mentorship, financial support, and professional resources, Mirza hopes to help young women athletes compete with confidence and consistency.
Through this effort, she aims to transform personal experience into practical change, strengthening the foundation for future success in Indian tennis.